Keswick Lions’ Christmas post has enjoyed a bumper fundraising year – despite the community service being free for the first time, with the usual charge of 30p per card being waived in favour of donations.
The result was both a massive rise in the number of cards being posted, plus an increase in the money raised after a surprise bonus contribution.
“Last year we raised £656 from collecting, sorting and delivering of around 1,800 cards but this year we have had over 3,000 cards and received donations of over £600 and still counting,” said Diane Cannon, Keswick Lions’ activities chairwoman.
In addition, Claire Bell organised a Christmas raffle, tombola and music fundraiser among fellow residents at Millfield Gardens, contributing £1,300 to Keswick Lions, whose fundraising this year has been drastically reduced by coronavirus.
“We are absolutely delighted and so proud of the people of Keswick,” said Diane, reflecting on the Christmas post as well as the support from Millfield Gardens.
“Even though we’ve not charged, it has been our best event of the whole year. It was fantastic,” added Diane, who dressed as an elf with other volunteers to accompany Father Christmas on a special delivery round on Sunday.
“It was so nice to have families coming out and kids looking for Father Christmas.
“A good proportion of our cards have been for people in care homes or retirement homes who have had it really tough this year,” she added.
In recent years, the number of people using the local charity service had been in decline in line with a national move to on-line messages.
Regardless of this, collection boxes for the Lions’ Christmas post have been in use at locations throughout Keswick, including supermarkets and petrol stations, in recent weeks.
Claire, of Millfield Gardens, said: “A huge thank you to everybody who donated prizes for the raffle and tombola, and who supported the event. It was just a little bit of cheer in what has been a gloomy time.”
Following carol singing at 5pm today, Christmas Eve, in Millfield Gardens, people are invited to join a worldwide bell-ringing to help Santa on his way.
